42:1 Behold a my servant, b whom I uphold; my elect, [in
whom] my soul c delighteth; I have put my spirit upon
him: he shall bring forth d judgment to the Gentiles.
(a) That is, Christ, who in respect to his manhood is
called here servant. The prophets used to make mention
of Christ after they declared any great promise,
because he is the foundation on which all the promises
are made and ratified.
(b) For I have committed all my power to him, as to a most
faithful steward: some read, I will establish him: that
is, in his office by giving him the fulness of my
Spirit.
(c) Only he is acceptable to me and they that come to me by
him: for there is no other means of reconciliation,
(Mt 12:18, Eph 4:1)
(d) He will declare himself governor over the Gentiles and
call them by his word, and rule them by his Spirit.
42:2 He shall not e cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to
be heard in the street.
(e) His coming will not be with pomp and noise, as earthly
princes.
42:3 A f bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking g
flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to
h truth.
(f) He will not hurt the weak and feeble, but support and
comfort them.
(g) Meaning, the wick of a lamp or candle which is almost
out, but he will cherish it and snuff it, that it may
shine brighter.
(h) Although he favours the weak, yet will he not spare the
wicked, but will judge them according to truth and
equity.
42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he hath i set
judgment in the earth: and the k isles shall wait for his
law.
(i) Till he has set all things in good order.
(k) The Gentiles will desire to receive his doctrine.
42:6 I the LORD have called thee in l righteousness, and will
hold m thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a
n covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
(l) Meaning, to a lawful and just calling.
(m) To assist and guide you.
(n) As him, by whom the promise made to all nations in
Abraham will be fulfilled.
42:8 I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my o glory will I
not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
(o) I will not permit my glory to be diminished: which I
would do if I were not faithful.
42:9 Behold, the former things have p come to pass, and new
things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of
them.
(p) As in time past I have been true in my promises, so will
I be in time to come.
42:11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up [their voice],
the villages [that] q Kedar doth inhabit: let the
inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top
of the mountains.
(q) Meaning, the Arabians, under whom he comprehends all
the people of the East.
42:13 The LORD shall go forth as a r mighty man, he shall stir
up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he
shall prevail against his enemies.
(r) He shows the zeal of the Lord, and his power in the
conservation of his Church.
42:14 I have long time held my peace; I have been still, [and]
restrained myself: [now] will I cry like a s travailing
woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
(s) I will haste to execute my vengeance, which I have so
long deferred as a woman that desires to be delivered,
when she is in labour.
42:16 And I will bring the t blind by a way [that] they knew
not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known:
I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things
straight. These things will I do for them, and not forsake
them.
(t) That is, my poor people, who are in perplexity and
care.
42:19 Who [is] blind, but my u servant? or deaf, as my x
messenger [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is]
y perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?
(u) That is, Israel, which would have most light because
of my Law.
(x) The priest to whom my word is committed, who would not
only hear it himself but cause others to hear it.
(y) As the priests and prophets that would be lights to
others?
42:22 But this [is] a people z robbed and plundered; [they
are] all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in
prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth;
for a spoil, and none saith, a Restore.
(z) Because they will not acknowledge this blessing from
the Lord, who is ready to deliver them, he permits
them to be spoiled by their enemies through their own
fault and incredulity.
(a) There will be no one to comfort them , or to will the
enemy to restore that which he has spoiled.
42:23 Who among you will give ear to this? [who] will hearken
and hear for b the time to come?
